U.S. patent application number 16/331514 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-11 for apparatus for producing haptic feedback and electronic device.
The applicant listed for this patent is TDK Electronics AG. Invention is credited to Alexander Melischnig, Franz Rinner.
Application Number | 20190210065 16/331514 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59799379 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190210065 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rinner; Franz ; et
al. |
July 11, 2019 |
Apparatus for Producing Haptic Feedback and Electronic Device
Abstract
An apparatus for producing haptic feedback and an electronic
device are disclosed. In an embodiment an apparatus includes a
piezoelectric actuator and a mechanical structure, wherein the
piezoelectric actuator is configured to modify its extension in a
first direction, and wherein the mechanical structure is configured
to deform as a result of a change in the extension of the
piezoelectric actuator in such a way that an area of the mechanical
structure is moved in relation to the piezoelectric actuator in a
second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.
Inventors: |
Rinner; Franz;
(Deutschlandsberg, AT) ; Melischnig; Alexander;
(Graz, AT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TDK Electronics AG |
Munchen |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
59799379 |
Appl. No.: |
16/331514 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
September 6, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2017/072364 |
371 Date: |
March 7, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/016 20130101;
G10K 9/125 20130101; B06B 1/0611 20130101; H01L 41/0933 20130101;
B06B 1/0603 20130101; H01L 41/0471 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B06B 1/06 20060101
B06B001/06; H01L 41/09 20060101 H01L041/09; H01L 41/047 20060101
H01L041/047; G06F 3/01 20060101 G06F003/01 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 7, 2016 |
DE |
102016116760.6 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. An apparatus for producing haptic feedback comprising: a
piezoelectric actuator; and a mechanical structure, wherein the
piezoelectric actuator is configured to modify its extension in a
first direction, and wherein the mechanical structure is configured
to deform as a result of a change in the extension of the
piezoelectric actuator in such a way that an area of the mechanical
structure is moved in relation to the piezoelectric actuator in a
second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the mechanical
structure is designed so that the area of the mechanical structure
is moved in the second direction by a distance which is at least
ten times greater than the change in the extension of the
piezoelectric actuator in the first direction.
19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the mechanical
structure has a substructure which is configured not to move in the
second direction in relation to the piezoelectric actuator as a
result of a change in the extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
and wherein the haptic feedback is produced by a movement of the
area in relation to the substructure.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the substructure
extends in the first direction in a form of a bar.
21. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the substructure
is arranged parallel to the piezoelectric actuator.
22. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the mechanical
structure has a first lever arm which comprises the area, wherein a
first end of the piezoelectric actuator is fixed to the first lever
arm, and wherein the first lever arm is movably connected to the
substructure.
23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the first lever
arm and the substructure are one piece and are flexibly
interconnected via a thin area, or wherein the first lever arm and
the substructure are a plurality of pieces and are movably
interconnected via a joint.
24. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the mechanical
structure has a first lever arm which comprises the area, and
wherein a first end of the piezoelectric actuator is fixed to the
first lever arm.
25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the first lever
arm has a first end section, a second end section and a
mid-section, wherein the end sections are parallel to one another,
wherein the mid-section interconnects the two end sections and is
perpendicular to the two end sections, and wherein the area which
is configured to be moved in the second direction in an event of a
deformation of the mechanical structure is arranged in the
mid-section.
26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the first lever
arm is configured so that the two end sections are either pushed
apart or drawn together as a result of a change in the extension of
the piezoelectric actuator, and wherein the mid-section becomes
arched.
27. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the first end
section is movably attached to a substructure, and wherein one end
of the piezoelectric actuator is fixed to the first end
section.
28. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the second end
section has a thin area which subdivides the second end section
into a first subsection and a second subsection which are flexible
in relation to one another, wherein the first subsection adjoins
the mid-section, and wherein the second subsection is configured to
be fixed to an attachment apparatus.
29. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the mechanical
structure has a second lever arm which comprises an area which is
configured to move in the second direction in an event of a
deformation of the mechanical structure as a result of a change in
the extension of the piezoelectric actuator, wherein a second end
of the piezoelectric actuator is fixed to the second lever arm, and
wherein the lever arms are designed in such a way that the area of
the first lever arm and the area of the second lever arm are always
moved in the same direction.
30. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein each of the lever
arms has a first end section and a second end section, wherein the
second end sections in each case have a thin area, wherein the
first end sections are connected in each case via a thin area to a
substructure, and wherein the thin areas lie in one plane.
31. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the mechanical
structure has a plurality of parts, and wherein the apparatus has a
holding apparatus which is designed to exert a force from outside
on the mechanical structure, by which the mechanical structure is
held together.
32. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the piezoelectric
actuator has a multi-layer structure in which internal electrodes
and piezoelectric layers are arranged alternately above one another
in a stacking direction, and wherein the first direction is
parallel to the stacking direction.
33. An electronic device comprising: the apparatus according to
claim 17; a first housing element; and a second housing element,
wherein the first housing element and the second housing element
are attached to the mechanical structure in such a way that the
housing elements are moved in relation to one another in an event
of a change in the extension of the piezoelectric actuator in the
first direction.
Description
[0001] This patent application is a national phase filing under
section 371 of PCT/EP2017/072364, filed Sep. 6, 2017, which claims
the priority of German patent application 102016116760.6, filed
Sep. 7, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing
haptic feedback and an electronic device which comprises an
apparatus of this type. In various electronic devices, such as, for
example, touch-sensitive screens, artificially produced haptic
feedback is desired which simulates a natural keypress. Further
applications, for example, game consoles, similarly make use of
vibration modules which produce haptic feedback. In devices of this
type the space available is often very limited, so that the haptic
feedback should be produced with the smallest possible
apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The use of a piezoelectric actuator as a drive for an
apparatus for producing haptic feedback is known from U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2014/0292144 A1.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Embodiments provide an improved apparatus for producing
haptic feedback.
[0005] Embodiments provide an apparatus for producing haptic
feedback which has a piezoelectric actuator and a mechanical
structure, wherein the piezoelectric actuator is designed to modify
its extension in a first direction, and wherein the mechanical
structure is designed to deform as a result of a change in the
extension of the piezoelectric actuator in such a way that an area
of the mechanical structure is moved in relation to the
piezoelectric actuator in a second direction which is perpendicular
to the first direction.
[0006] The mechanical structure can be designed to transfer a
change in the extension of the piezoelectric actuator into a
movement of the area in the second direction. The area may be the
area of the mechanical structure which undergoes the greatest
movement as a result of the change in the extension of the
piezoelectric actuator. Other areas of the mechanical structure can
also be deformed as a result of the change in the extension of the
piezoelectric actuator. These other areas can undergo a movement
whose movement amplitude is less than the movement of the area.
[0007] The haptic feedback can be produced by the movement of the
area. For this purpose, weights or housing elements, for example,
such as, e.g., a cover or a baseplate, can be fixed to the area.
These weights or housing elements can follow a movement of the
area. A vibration which a user perceives as haptic feedback can be
produced by the movement of the area.
[0008] The mechanical structure can thus enable the movement of the
piezoelectric actuator to be translated in a second direction
perpendicular to the extension of the piezoelectric actuator. The
apparatus can have a smaller extension in the second direction than
in the first direction. The haptic feedback or vibration can act
accordingly in a direction in which the apparatus is very flat.
Such a flat shape of the apparatus can be advantageous for
installation in an electronic device.
[0009] The piezoelectric actuator may be a multi-layer component in
which internal electrodes and piezoelectric layers are stacked
alternately above one another in a stacking direction. The stacking
direction can be parallel to a first direction. The piezoelectric
actuator can be designed to change its extension in the first
direction as a result of a voltage applied to the internal
electrodes. The piezoelectric actuator can expand or contract. In
the case of an expansion, the length of the actuator is increased
in the first direction. In the case of a contraction, the length of
the actuator is reduced in the first direction. The actuator can be
designed in such a way that it changes its extension constantly as
a result of an AC voltage applied to the internal electrodes,
whereby a vibration is produced.
[0010] The mechanical structure may comprise steel or bronze. In
particular, the mechanical structure can be made from steel or
bronze. The mechanical structure may be a single piece.
[0011] The mechanical structure can be designed so that, as a
result of a change in the extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
the area of the mechanical structure is moved in the second
direction by a distance which is at least ten times greater than
the change in the extension of the piezoelectric actuator in the
first direction. The distance is preferably at least 20 times
greater than the change in the extension of the piezoelectric
actuator. The mechanical structure can accordingly enable a lift
translation for the change in the extension of the piezoelectric
actuator of at least 1:10, preferably of at least 1:20. The
mechanical structure can accordingly ensure an increase in the
movement amplitude. The mechanical structure can accordingly
substantially increase the produced vibrations or the produced
haptic feedback which can be produced by the piezoelectric
actuator.
[0012] The mechanical structure can have a substructure which is
designed not to move in the second direction in relation to the
piezoelectric actuator as a result of a change in the extension of
the piezoelectric actuator. The haptic feedback can be produced by
a relative movement of the area in relation to the substructure.
The substructure can act as a counterhold in relation to the
piezoelectric actuator. In particular, a lever arm which has the
area can be connected to the piezoelectric actuator and the
substructure in such a way that an extension of the piezoelectric
actuator results in a rotation of the lever arm around a pivot
which is formed by a connection point of the substructure and the
lever arm.
[0013] The substructure can extend in the first direction in the
form of a bar, wherein the substructure is arranged parallel to the
piezoelectric actuator.
[0014] The mechanical structure can have a first lever arm which
has the area, wherein a first end of the piezoelectric actuator is
fixed to the first lever arm. The position of the lever arm to
which the actuator is attached can be moved in the first direction
in the event of a change in the extension of the piezoelectric
actuator. The piezoelectric actuator can be connected to the first
lever arm, for example, by clamping, adhesion or soldering.
[0015] The first lever arm can be movably connected to the
substructure. The first lever arm and the substructure may be one
piece and may be flexibly interconnected via a thin area.
Alternatively, the first lever arm and the substructure may be a
plurality of pieces and may be movably interconnected via a joint.
Since the first lever arm is movable in relation to the
substructure, the entire mechanical structure is intrinsically
movable and can be deformed in this way. The first lever arm and
the substructure can be designed so that the movements or
deformations are always performed elastically.
[0016] The first lever arm can have a first end section, a second
end section and a mid-section. The end sections can be parallel to
one another. The mid-section can interconnect the two end sections
and can be perpendicular to the two end sections. The first lever
arm can accordingly be U-shaped. The mid-section can be longer than
the first end section and longer than the second end section. The
mid-section can be arranged parallel to the piezoelectric actuator.
The piezoelectric actuator can be arranged between the two end
sections.
[0017] The area which is designed to be moved in the second
direction in the event of a deformation of the mechanical structure
can be arranged in the mid-section. In particular, in the event of
a deformation of the first lever arm, the mid-section can be the
section which undergoes the greatest change in its position. The
lever arm can be designed, for example, in such a way that the two
end sections are either pushed apart or drawn together as a result
of a change in the extension of the piezoelectric actuator, whereby
the mid-section becomes arched.
[0018] The first end section can be movably attached to the
substructure and one end of the piezoelectric actuator can be fixed
to the first end section.
[0019] The second end section can have a thin area which subdivides
the second end section into a first subsection and a second
subsection which are flexible in relation to one another, wherein
the first subsection adjoins the mid-section and wherein the second
subsection is designed to be fixed to an attachment apparatus. The
attachment apparatus is not part of the apparatus for producing the
haptic feedback. The attachment apparatus may be part of an
electronic device which has the apparatus for producing the haptic
feedback.
[0020] The mechanical structure can have a second lever arm which
has an area which is designed to move in the second direction in
the event of a deformation of the mechanical structure as a result
of a change in the extension of the piezoelectric actuator. A
second end of the piezoelectric actuator can be fixed to the second
lever arm. The lever arms can be designed in such a way that the
area of the first lever arm and the area of the second lever arm
are always moved in the same direction. Each of the lever arms can
have a first end section and a second end section which in each
case have a thin area, wherein the thin areas lie in one plane. It
can thereby be ensured that the mechanical structure is prevented
from becoming jammed or mechanically blocked.
[0021] The second lever arm can be designed in such a way that its
two end sections are either pushed apart or drawn together as a
result of a change in the extension of the piezoelectric actuator,
whereby the mid-section becomes arched.
[0022] The mechanical structure can have a plurality of parts. The
apparatus can have a holding apparatus which is designed to exert a
force from outside on the mechanical structure, by means of which
the mechanical structure is held together.
[0023] The piezoelectric actuator can have a multi-layer structure
in which internal electrodes and piezoelectric layers are arranged
alternately above one another in a stacking direction, wherein the
first direction is parallel to the stacking direction.
[0024] The present invention furthermore relates to an electronic
device which has the above-mentioned apparatus and a first housing
element and a second housing element. The first and the second
housing elements are attached to the mechanical structure in such a
way that the housing elements are moved in relation to one another
in the event of a change in the extension of the piezoelectric
actuator in the first direction. The second housing element can,
for example, be attached to the substructure which is not moved in
the second direction in relation to the piezoelectric actuator, and
the second housing element can be attached to the area of the
mechanical structure which is moved in the second direction as a
result of a change in the extension of the piezoelectric
actuator.
[0025] The electronic device may, for example, be a screen, in
particular a touch-sensitive screen. The electronic device may be a
control unit of game console.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The invention will be explained in more detail below by way
of the figures.
[0027] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an apparatus for producing haptic
feedback; and
[0028] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a mechanical structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0029] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an apparatus 1 for producing haptic
feedback. FIG. 1 shows the apparatus 1 in a top view. FIG. 2 shows
the apparatus 1 in a cross section.
[0030] The apparatus 1 has a piezoelectric actuator 2 and a
mechanical structure 3 which is designed to translate a change in
the length of the piezoelectric actuator 2 into a mechanical
movement with an increased extent of movement. The piezoelectric
actuator 2 is a multi-layer component which is designed to vibrate
in a stacking direction in which internal electrodes and
piezoelectric layers are stacked alternately above one another. The
stacking direction is parallel to a first direction x. The
piezoelectric actuator 2 is designed to change its extension in the
first direction x as a result of an electric voltage applied to the
internal electrodes, wherein the piezoelectric actuator 2 expands
and contracts alternately.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows the mechanical structure 3 in a top view. FIG.
4 shows the mechanical structure 3 in a cross section.
[0032] The mechanical structure 3 has a first lever 4a and a second
lever arm 4b. The mechanical structure 3 is designed in such a way
it deforms as a result of a change in the extension of the
piezoelectric actuator 2 in such a way that an area 5a of the first
lever arm 4a and an area 5b of the second lever arm 4b are moved in
each case in a second direction y. The second direction y is
perpendicular to the first direction x. The mechanical structure 3
is, in particular, shaped in such a way that the areas 5a, 5b of
the first and the second lever arm 4a, 4b move by a distance which
is greater than the change in length of the piezoelectric actuator
2 in the first direction x. The distance by which the areas 4a, 4b
of the first and second lever arm 5a, 5b are moved can, for
example, be at least ten times greater than the change in the
extension of the piezoelectric actuator 2. The mechanical structure
3 can accordingly enable a lift translation of 1:10.
[0033] The first lever arm 4a will first be examined more closely
below. The first lever arm 4a is U-shaped. The first lever arm 4a
has a first end section 6a and a second end section 7a which are
arranged parallel to one another. The first lever arm 4a
furthermore has a mid-section 8a which is perpendicular to the
first and the second end section 6a, 7a and which interconnects the
two end sections 6a, 7a. The area 5a which undergoes the greatest
movement in the second direction y as a result of a change in the
extension of the piezoelectric actuator 2 is arranged in the
mid-section 8a of the first lever arm 4a.
[0034] The mechanical structure 3 furthermore has a substructure 9
which is designed not to move as a result of a change in the
extension of the piezoelectric actuator 2. This substructure 9
serves as a counterhold to the piezoelectric actuator 2. It forms a
fixed point in relation to which the piezoelectric actuator 2 and
the lever arms 4a, 4b can move. The substructure 9 is bar-shaped.
The substructure 9 is arranged parallel to the piezoelectric
actuator 2. The substructure 9 runs at a distance of less than 1 mm
parallel to the piezoelectric actuator 2.
[0035] The substructure 9 and the first lever arm 4a are formed as
one piece. The substructure 9 and the first lever arm 4a are
interconnected via a first thin area 10. The first lever arm 4a can
be moved in relation to the substructure 9 by bending the thin area
10. The first thin area lo is designed to deform elastically when
bent. The first thin area 10 represents a pivot around which the
first lever arm 4a can be rotated in relation to the substructure
9. The first lever arm 4a is thus movably fixed to the substructure
9. The piezoelectric actuator 2 is furthermore attached to the
first lever arm 4a. The piezoelectric actuator 2 can be attached to
the first lever arm 4a in a non-detachable manner, for example, by
clamping, adhesion, soldering or other attachment methods.
[0036] The substructure 9 and the piezoelectric actuator 2 are
connected in each case to the first end section 6a of the first
lever arm 4a. The substructure 9 is movably connected to the first
end section 6a. The piezoelectric actuator 2 is fixed to the first
end section 4a in such a way that the first end section 4a is moved
by an expansion or contraction of the piezoelectric actuator 2. The
piezoelectric actuator 2 is attached at a position on the first end
section 4a which is closer to the mid-section 8a than the position
of the first end section 4a to which the substructure 9 is
attached.
[0037] The first lever arm 4a furthermore has the second end
section 7a. The second end section 7a is subdivided by a second
thin area 11 into two subsections 12a, 13a. A first subsection 12a
of the second end section 7a directly adjoins the mid-section 8a. A
second subsection 13a of the second end section 7a is arranged on
the side of the second end section 7a facing away from the
mid-section 8a. The second thin area 11 enables the two subsections
12a, 13a of the second end section 7a to be moved in relation to
one another. In particular, the second end section 7 can be bent at
the second thin area 11. The second subsection 13a is designed to
be fixed to an external attachment apparatus.
[0038] The case will now be examined where the piezoelectric
actuator 2 extends in the first direction x as a result of an
applied voltage. In this case, the first thin area lo between the
substructure 9 and the first end section 6a of the first lever arm
4a is bent. The piezoelectric actuator 2 pushes the first end
section 6a in the first direction x. As a result, the first end
section 6a is bent around the first thin area 10 as a pivot. If the
second sub-area 13a of the second end section 7a is fixed to the
attachment apparatus, it cannot accordingly follow the movement.
The second end section 7a is therefore bent at its thin area 11 in
order to compensate for the rotational movement of the first end
section 6a. The first subsection 12a of the second end section 7a
moves in relation to the second subsection 13a of the second end
section 7a. This is accompanied by an arching of the mid-section
8a. In particular, the mid-section 8a is moved in the second
direction y. In the representation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
mid-section 8a is bent downward. The marked area 5a undergoes a
particularly substantial movement.
[0039] The mechanical structure 3 furthermore has the second lever
arm 4b. The second lever arm 4b has an identical structure to the
first lever arm 4a. The second lever arm 4b also has a first end
section 6b which is movably connected to the substructure 9 and is
fixed to the piezoelectric actuator 2, a mid-area 8b and a second
end section 7b which is subdivided by a third thin area 14 into two
subsections 12b, 13b. The substructure 9 and the piezoelectric
actuator 2 are connected to the second lever arm 4b in such a way
that the area 5b of the second lever arm 4b which undergoes a
maximum position change as a result of the extension of the
piezoelectric actuator 2 always moves in the same direction as the
area 5a of the first lever arm 4a. To do this, the piezoelectric
actuator 2 is fixed to the second lever arm 4b at a position on the
first end section 6b which is further away from the mid-section 8b
than the position at which the substructure 9 is connected to the
second lever arm 4b. It is thereby ensured that the first end
section 6b of the second lever arm 4b is rotated in the same
rotational direction as the first end section 6a of the first lever
arm 4a. The first end section 6b of the second lever arm 4b is
connected to the substructure 9 via a fourth thin area 15.
[0040] In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the areas
5a, 5b of the mid-sections 8a, 8b of the first and of the second
lever arm 4a, 4b, as discussed above, move downward as a result of
an expansion of the piezoelectric actuator 2. The areas 5a, 5b move
downwards as a result of a contraction of the piezoelectric
actuator 2.
[0041] In an alternative example embodiment, the mechanical
structure 3 can have a plurality of parts. In this case, one or
more of the thin areas 10, 11, 14, 15 can be replaced by joints at
which a relative movement of the first end section 6a, 6b of the
respective lever arm 4a, 4b in relation to the substructure 9 or a
movement of the first subsection 12a, 12b in relation to the second
subsection 13a, 13b of the second end sections 7a, 7b is enabled.
In this case, the apparatus 1 can furthermore have elements which
are designed to exert a force from outside on the mechanical
structure 3 in order to hold the latter together. This may involve,
for example, springs.
[0042] The four thin areas 10, 11, 14, 15 which act as pivots are
arranged in one plane. It can thereby be ensured that a jamming of
the mechanical structure 3 is prevented and the distance between
the outer attachment apparatuses can be kept constant. The four
thin areas 10, 11, 14, 15 are also regarded as lying in one plane
insofar as they are arranged at a maximum distance of 1 mm from the
plane. An arrangement of one of the thin areas 10, 11, 14, 15
offset by less than 1 mm away from the plane does not result in a
jamming of the mechanical structure 3.
[0043] The haptic feedback is now produced by a relative movement
between the substructure 9 and the lever arms 4a, 4b. Housing
elements of an electronic device can, for example, be attached to
the substructure 9 and the lever arms 4a, 4b. The housing elements
may, for example, be a baseplate, a cover or weights. They can be
fixed to the substructure 9 and the lever arms 4a, 4b by screw
connections or other connections. If a housing element attached to
the substructure 9 is now moved in relation to a housing element
attached to one of the lever arms 4a, 4b, haptic feedback which a
user of the electronic device perceives is thereby produced.
* * * * *